US20030110728A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20030110728A1
Application number: US10/013,688
Authority: US
Inventors: Joseph Pacione; John Pacione
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Tac Fast Georgia LLC
Priority date: 2001-12-13
Filing date: 2001-12-13
Publication date: 2003-06-19
Also published as: US20090031657A1; US7412806B2; US8691360B2

Abstract

Structures are described that create spaces while installing anchor sheet and attachment piece subfloors, but which allow for the expansion and contraction of anchor sheets after installation. The structures may be used on either the attachment pieces, anchor sheets or both. In one embodiment, the structure is a deformable margin; in another embodiment, the structure is a pull-away strip.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Structures to allow spaces of appropriate size to be created between adjacent anchor sheets and attachment pieces when installing the anchor sheets and attachment pieces to form a subfloor.[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Several earlier patent applications filed by the same inventor disclose an anchor sheet which can be supplied as a small or large module, with or without a pre-attached decorative covering, including the current inventor's U.S. applications Ser. Nos. 08/850,720 filed May 2, 1997, 09/008,565 filed Jan. 16, 1998 and 09/008,584 filed Jan. 16, 1998. These earlier cases also disclose the anchor sheet as a modular unit which can form a contiguous mass of anchor sheet to be used as a subfloor to which a decorative covering is to be attached or as a finished floor when presupplied with a decorative surface. Such a contiguous mass can be formed by attaching the anchor sheets together by some form of overlap or by abutting the anchor sheets to each other and using an overlap of decorative covering or tape. Such mass can be free floating or attached to the floor.[0002]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The current invention relates to spacing structures for use with anchor sheets and attachment pieces which when abutted or overlapped can form a subfloor for detachable attachment of overlying decorative coverings. The attachment pieces (also called attachment devices or corner pieces) are shaped to fit into countersunk passageways formed through the anchor sheets when laid to cover a floor. If the attachment pieces are attached to the floor, the attachment pieces will hold down surrounding anchor sheets without attachment to the anchor sheets themselves.[0003]

One aspect of the invention is a structure on the attachment pieces which can be a deformable margin extending horizontally from the attachment pieces or anchor sheets. This deformable margin creates a suitable spacing between anchor sheets and between anchor sheets and attachment pieces during the installation of the anchor sheet and attachment piece subfloors. The margin, being deformable, may be squeezed and will deform during atmospheric expansion of the anchor sheets to accommodate the change in size due to temperature changes or changes in atmospheric conditions. There are numerous structures that can serve as a deformable margin. In some cases, the deformable margin is collapsible, in that the margin will collapse under a force and not return to its original shape when the force is removed. In some cases, the deformable margin is resilient, in that after the margin is deformed by a force, it will return to its original shape after the force is removed. In some cases, the deformable margin is only partially resilient, in that it will return only part-way to its original shape after the force is removed. Over time, a resilient structure may begin to lose resiliency, for example if there is a “loss of memory” from use over time.[0004]

A second structure is a removable or detachable margin extending horizontally from the attachment pieces or anchor sheets. This removable margin creates a suitable spacing between anchor sheets and between anchor sheets and attachment pieces during the installation of the anchor sheet and attachment piece subfloors. Once removed, the margin leaves a space to accommodate the change in size of the anchor sheets due to temperature changes or changes in atmospheric conditions. There are numerous structures that can serve as a removable margin.[0005]

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an attachment piece for use in a subfloor with at least one anchor sheet, the at least one anchor sheet having a recess of a first shape in a first area, the anchor sheet having a complete cut of a second area of a second shape, and said second area lying within the first area, the attachment piece comprising: a first portion having an upper surface extending horizontally and shaped to fit in the recess; a second portion attached to the first portion and shaped to fit in the complete cut; the second portion having at least one resilient layer; a spacing structure; the spacing structure on at least one of the first portion or the second portion to establish a horizontal stand-off distance between the attachment piece and the at least one anchor sheet during installation.[0006]

In a feature of this aspect, the spacing structure is a deformable margin. In another feature of this aspect, the spacing structure is a removable margin on the first portion. In yet another feature of this aspect, the deformable margin is on the first portion. In still another feature of this aspect, the deformable margin is on the second portion. In yet another feature of this aspect of the invention, the deformable margin comprises a plurality of deformable protrusions. In still another feature of this aspect, the deformable margin is resilient or partially resilient. In yet another feature of this aspect, this aspect further comprises a countersunk hole for receiving a fastener.[0007]

In a second aspect of this invention, there is provided an attachment piece comprising a body extending axially and a head radially larger than the body formed on an axial end of the body, the head having a spacing structure, an aperture extending axially through the head and body for receiving a fastener and having a countersunk portion for recessing the head of the fastener at or below the surface of the head of the attachment piece, and a spacing structure located on either the body or the head, the spacing structure extending transverse to the axis. In a feature of this aspect, the spacing structure is a deformable margin. In another feature of this aspect, the spacing structure is a removable margin on the head. In yet another feature of this aspect, the deformable margin is on the head. In still another feature of this aspect of the invention, the deformable margin is on the body. In yet another feature of this aspect, the removable margin has a pull tab. In still another feature of this aspect, the deformable margin comprises a plurality of deformable protrusions around the perimeter of the attachment piece. In yet another feature of this aspect, the deformable margin is resilient or partially resilient.[0008]

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an anchor sheet for use in a subfloor for detachable attachment to a decorative covering, the anchor sheet comprising: an upper surface having a means for detachable attachment to the decorative covering; a lower surface opposite the upper surface, the lower surface being covered with a resilient layer; a recess of a first shape reducing the thickness of the anchor sheet in a first area; a complete cut through the anchor sheet of a smaller second area within the first area of a second shape; and a spacing structure positioned on the anchor sheet to space adjacent anchor sheets or attachment pieces.[0009]

In a feature of this aspect, the anchor sheet further comprises: the anchor sheet having at least two adjacent edges which have a lower portion cut away to create an overhanging area of anchor sheet and at least two adjacent lower edges substantially under the overhang; and the anchor sheet having at least two adjacent edges which have an upper portion cut away to create an underlay area of anchor sheet leaving at least two adjacent underlay edges at the outer edge of the underlay.[0010]

In another feature of this aspect, the spacing structure is a deformable margin. In yet another feature of this aspect, the spacing structure is a removable margin. In still another feature of this aspect, the spacing structure is in the first area. In yet another feature of this aspect, the spacing structure is in the second area. In still another feature of this aspect of the invention, the deformable margin is resilient or partially resilient. In yet another feature of this aspect, the deformable margin comprises a plurality of deformable protrusions.[0011]

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of installing an anchor sheet and attachment piece subfloor over a floor, the subfloor to receive a detachable decorative covering, said anchor sheets having an upper surface having a means for detachable attachment to the decorative covering and a cut-away section of reduced thickness of a first area of a first shape and a complete cut through the anchor sheet of a smaller second area of a second shape within the first area, said attachment pieces having an upper surface having a means for detachable attachment to the decorative covering, and said attachment pieces having a spacing structure positioned to space surrounding anchor sheets, comprising the steps of: laying the anchor sheets over a floor; inserting the attachment pieces in the complete cut areas; and attaching at least some of the attachment pieces to the floor while arranging the surrounding anchor sheets so the surrounding anchor sheets touch but do not deform the spacing structures.[0012]

In a feature of this aspect, the anchor sheets are designed to overlap and the step of laying the anchor sheets over a floor consists of laying the anchor sheets in overlapping fashion over a floor. In yet another feature of this aspect, the spacing structure is a removable margin, and the method has the additional step of removing the spacing structures. In still another feature of this aspect of the invention, the spacing structure has a pull tab. In yet another feature of this invention, the spacing structure is a deformable margin. In still another feature of this invention, the deformable margin comprises a plurality of deformable protrusions. In yet another feature of the invention, the deformable margin is resilient or partially resilient.[0013]

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of installing an anchor sheet and attachment piece subfloor over a floor, the subfloor to receive a detachable decorative covering, said anchor sheets having an upper surface having a means for detachable attachment to the decorative covering and a cut-away section of reduced thickness of a first area of a first shape and a complete cut through the anchor sheet of a smaller second area of a second shape within the first area, said attachment pieces having an upper surface having a means for detachable attachment to the decorative covering, and said anchor sheets having a spacing structure positioned to fend surrounding anchor sheets and attachment pieces, comprising the steps of: laying the anchor sheets over a floor; inserting the attachment pieces in the complete cut areas; and attaching at least some of the attachment pieces to the floor while arranging the surrounding anchor sheets so the anchor sheets and attachment pieces touch but do not deform the spacing structures.[0014]

In a feature of this aspect, the anchor sheets are designed to overlap and the step of laying the anchor sheets over a floor consists of laying the anchor sheets in overlapping fashion over a floor. In another feature of this aspect of the invention, the spacing structure is a removable margin, and the method has the additional step of removing the spacing structures. In still another feature of this aspect, the spacing structure is a deformable margin. In yet another feature of this aspect, the deformable margin comprises a plurality of deformable protrusions.[0015]

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a floor for covering a structure to form a surface, the floor comprising: a plurality of anchor sheets; the plurality of anchor sheets being arranged to substantially cover the structure to form a floor having an upper surface; a plurality of passageways having walls extending from the upper surface of the floor to the structure below; the passageways having a portion countersunk from the upper surface of the floor, forming a first bearing surface below the plane of the floor; the plurality of attachment pieces being shaped to fit into the passageways, the attachment pieces having a wider upper portion to create a second bearing surface; the plurality of attachment pieces being inserted into the passageways such that the second bearing surface faces the first bearing surface in which at least some of the attachment pieces have a deformable margin to space the pieces from the walls of the passageway; and in which at least some of the attachment pieces with the deformable margin are attached to the floor.[0016]

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an attachment piece for use with a floor formed from units to cover a structure, the floor having walled passageways extending from an upper surface of the floor to the structure below, the passageways having a portion countersunk from the upper surface of the floor forming a first bearing surface below the plane of the floor, the attachment piece comprising: a piece shaped to fit into the passageways having a wider upper portion to create a second bearing surface to face the first bearing surface on the countersunk portion of the passageway, and in which the attachment piece has a deformable periphery to space the piece from the walls of the passageway.[0017]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a corner of an anchor sheet with an underpad.[0018]

FIG. 2 shows an attachment piece which could be used with the anchor sheet of FIG. 1.[0019]

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a partially assembled subfloor of anchor sheets having overlapping edges and cutaway and cut out portions for the attachment pieces.[0020]

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a partially assembled subfloor of anchor sheets (having overlapping edges and cutaway and cut out portions for the attachment pieces) and attachment pieces in partial section.[0021]

FIG. 5 shows an attachment piece in section with attached cushion and countersunk fastener.[0022]

FIG. 6 is a section view of an anchor sheet along the lines[0023]6-6 in FIG. 3 with attachment pieces inserted (on the same page as FIG. 5).

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an attachment piece with a fastener (on the same page as FIG. 5).[0024]

FIG. 8A shows an attachment piece incorporating a spacing structure, with outward protrusions about its upper portion.[0025]

FIG. 8B shows the details of the protrusions extending outwardly from the attachment piece of FIG. 8A.[0026]

FIG. 9A is a top view of an attachment piece incorporating a spacing structure, with a resilient outer structure.[0027]

FIG. 9B shows the improved attachment piece of FIG. 9A, where the resilient outer structure is shown creating a spacing between four adjacent anchor sheets.[0028]

FIG. 10 is a top view of an attachment piece incorporating a spacing structure, with a detachable or removable circumferential strip.[0029]

FIG. 11 shows an attachment piece incorporating a spacing structure, with outward protrusions about its lower portion.[0030]

FIG. 12 shows an anchor sheet incorporating a spacing structure, with protrusions along its lower edge.[0031]

FIG. 13 shows an anchor sheet incorporating a spacing structure, with protrusions along its cutaway edge.[0032]

FIG. 14 shows an anchor sheet incorporating a spacing structure, with protrusions along its cutout edge.[0033]

FIG. 15 shows an anchor sheet with overlap incorporating a spacing structure, with protrusions along its upper or overhang region.[0034]

FIG. 16 shows an anchor sheet with overlap incorporating a spacing structure, with protrusions along its lower or underlap region.[0035]

FIG. 17[0036]ashows an attachment piece with a deformable ring and spoke spacing structure which could be used with the anchor sheet of FIG. 1.

FIG. 17[0037]bis a plan view of the attachment piece of FIG. 17awith the anchor sheet of FIG. 1.

FIG. 18[0038]ashows an attachment piece with a deformable O-ring spacing structure which could be used with the anchor sheet of FIG. 1.

FIG. 18[0039]bis a plan view of the attachment piece of FIG. 18awith the anchor sheet of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The current invention relates to spacing structures for use with anchor sheets and attachment pieces as for instance in U.S. applications Ser. Nos. 08/850,726 filed Jan. 16, 1998 and 09/008,584 filed Jan. 16, 1998, which when assembled can form a subfloor for detachable attachment of overlying decorative coverings. The attachment pieces (also called attachment devices or corner pieces) are shaped to fit into countersunk passageways formed through the anchor sheets when laid to cover a floor. If the attachment pieces are attached to the floor and not to the anchor sheets, the attachment pieces will hold down surrounding anchor sheets, while allowing the surrounding anchor sheets to ride under the attachment pieces while expanding and contracting with atmospheric changes.[0040]

This application incorporates by reference the teachings of current inventor's U.S. applications Ser. Nos. 08/850,726 filed May 2, 1997, 09/008,565 filed Jan. 16, 1998 and 09/008,584 filed Jan. 16, 1998, except where those teachings may have been modified by new developments as set out herein.[0041]

There are advantages to having the anchor sheet and attachment piece subfloor attached at only a few discrete attachment points. In particular, if the sheets and attachment pieces are spaced apart, this will allow for a more stable subfloor in which the anchor sheets can expand and contract to accommodate atmospheric changes such as temperature and humidity. It is envisaged that the anchor sheets and attachment pieces can be made of polyethylene or polypropylene. However, even these materials expand and contract sufficiently to cause a subsurface without spaces to buckle because of temperature changes. The problems caused by the buckling of a subfloor may also be exacerbated by changes in a carpet attached to the subfloor. Therefore, there are advantages to allowing some form of spacing or floating between the anchor sheets.[0042]

It may be somewhat difficult for a layperson, or even an experienced carpet-layer, to place the anchor sheets and attachment pieces across a floor and attach the attachment pieces to the floor while providing for an acceptable spacing between the anchor sheets and between the anchor sheets and attachment pieces. This spacing must be adequate to allow for expansion and contraction, but cannot be so large as to provide for excessive “play” between adjacent anchor sheets.[0043]

In one embodiment, the improved attachment pieces incorporating a spacing structure have a deformable margin extending outwardly from the upper portion of the attachment piece. This deformable margin creates a suitable spacing between anchor sheets during the installation of the anchor sheets, and allows even a relative neophyte to install an anchor sheet subfloor with suitable spacing between anchor sheets. The margin, being deformable, may be squeezed and will deform during atmospheric expansion of the anchor sheets to accommodate the change in size due to temperature changes or changes in atmospheric conditions. There are numerous structures that can serve as a deformable margin. In some cases, the deformable margin is resilient (or partially resilient).[0044]

In an alternative, the improved attachment pieces incorporating a spacing structure have a removable margin extending outwardly from the upper portion of the attachment piece. This removable margin creates a suitable spacing between anchor sheets during the installation of the anchor sheets. Once the subfloor is installed, the removable margin may be removed, leaving spacing to accommodate atmospheric expansion and contraction of the anchor sheets due to temperature changes or changes in atmospheric conditions.[0045]

In a further alternative, the deformable margin or removable margin may be located on the anchor sheets rather than the attachment pieces. In another alternative, both the anchor sheets and attachment pieces have a deformable margin or a removable margin. In another alternative, the deformable margin may extend outwardly from the lower portion of the attachment piece. In a further alternative, the anchor sheets may have overlap or underlay regions to allow the anchor sheets to overlap, and a spacing structure may be found on either the overlap or underlay regions.[0046]

As shown in FIG. 1, a corner of an[0047]

anchor sheet

1 is provided. It is possible to have theanchor sheet1 provided in any shape that can be conveniently abutted with another similar piece to create a floor pattern such as, for instance, a square, a rectangle, a hexagon or an octagon. Generally the preferred shape will be an equilateral polygon but a rectangle may also work in some cases. Theanchor sheet1 contains atop surface layer3 having hooks. In thisembodiment anchor sheet1 also contains acushion5 to provide resilience to the anchor sheet and to a decorative covering, such as for example, a carpet overlaid on top of the anchor sheet. However, cushioning is not necessary for the functioning ofanchor sheet1, but such cushioning can have advantages depending on the overlayment to be used and the intended use of the anchor sheet. In alternative embodiments,cushion5 may also be replaced with a structure that will provide roughly equivalent resiliency to acushion5 such as, for instance, deformable pins or protrusions.

In practice, the hooks of the[0048]

top surface layer

3 will be attached to the loops of an overlying carpet (not shown) when an entire anchor sheet subfloor has been installed. The anchor sheet has a thickness A. The appropriate thickness A will depend on the intended use of the anchor sheet, and may vary with the type of overlayment to be used. The thickness A will not be substantially less than 0.020 inches and generally will not be less than 0.062 inches. The preferred thickness A is around 0.125 inches, but the thickness A may be as much as 0.75 inches, for example in situations where a thick floor is to be replaced, or where a thick anchor sheet needs to be used to create a level surface with an adjacent surface. Cutaway from that thickness is anarea7 which will be shaped into some geometric shape, in this case a portion of a circle, so that when combined with similar abutting anchor sheets aligned along

sides

9 and11, a ¾ circular cut away area will be formed. A fourth anchor sheet diagonallyopposite anchor sheet1 will form a complete circle having a circular cut away area as described below. Typically, the cut-away area will be such that the thickness of the anchor sheet at13 will be approximately half of the total thickness A of the anchor sheet. However, the width of the anchor sheet at13 may be other than approximately half the total thickness A and still incorporate the teachings of this patent. In addition, there is asecond area14 which has been cut out from the corner (the apex of the angle formed by the two sides of the square). Thissecond area14 also has a geometric shape, in this example a ¼ of a circle, so that when combined with other anchor sheets, the anchor sheet edges are lined up so that their corners meet at the imaginary intersection of the four corners, and a second smaller circle will be formed in the completed anchor sheet structure.

As shown in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the thickness A is ⅛ of an inch (0.125 inches), and the thickness of the anchor sheet at 13 is {fraction (1/16)} of an inch (0.0625 inches). The thickness of the[0049]

cushion

5 will be either approximately ¼ of an inch or ⅜ of an inch depending on the desired resiliency and amount of surface traffic. The hooks of thetop surface layer3 will have a density that may range from 160-1200 hooks per square inch, with a preferred density of approximately 330 hooks per square inch.

The preferred materials for the[0050]

anchor sheet

1 andcushion5 are polypropylene and polyethylene. In a preferred embodiment, thecushion5 is made from linear low density polyethylene with a density of approximately 30 kg/m³. Other foams could be used such as polyurethane or rubber.

The[0051]

anchor sheets

1 may be any size convenient for sale, transportation or installation, typically in the range of 12 inch by 12 inch square to 36 inch by 36 inch square. In a preferred embodiment,anchor sheet1 is an approximately 24 inch by 24 inch square. In a second preferred embodiment,anchor sheet1 is an approximately 25 inch by 25 inch square.

In a preferred embodiment, the cut away[0052]

area

7 is circular in shape with a radius of 3 inches centred on the apex of the angles of

sides

9 and11. Cut outarea14 is circular in shape with a radius of 2 inches centred on the apex of the angles of

sides

9 and11. However, the cut away and cut out areas may vary in size.

Thus, a circular cut out[0053]

area

14 within a second larger circular cut awayarea7 is created when four similar anchor sheets abut each other. A complementary attachment piece (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4) can then be added which will match the shape and thickness of the reduced thickness portion and the shape and thickness of the cut out area.

FIG. 2 shows a[0054]

attachment piece

31 which consists of anupper portion39 and alower portion33.Lower portion33 matches in geometric shape the cut outportion14 shown in FIG. 2, a shape that will be formed by all of abutting fouranchor sheets1. (Thislower portion33 will therefore normally be shaped to correspond to the shape of the cut outportion27 from FIG. 3) In this case, it is a simple circle. This will be the preferred shape, although, of course polygons or other shapes are also possible and the lower portion of theattachment piece33 need not be the same shape as the cut outportion14.

attachment piece

39 is shaped to correspond to thecutaway portion7. Again, this is a circle but could be another shape, particularly an equilateral polygon and theupper portion39 need not be the same shape as cut awaysection7. Theupper portion39,lower portion33, cut awayarea7 and cut outarea14 need not be the same shape, and could even be of four different shapes. In FIG. 2 the attachment piece could be attached to the anchor sheet in thecutaway portion area7 and thus form an attachment between four contiguous anchor sheets.

The[0056]

upper portion

39 andlower portion33 of theattachment piece31 will be covered with a rigid layer, may incorporate a rigid layer, or alternatively may simply consist of a rigid material. In a preferred embodiment,upper portion39 is a rigid disk of {fraction (1/16)} of an inch thick polypropylene or polyethylene in the shape of a circle with a six inch diameter.Lower portion33 is a circular cylinder with a diameter of four inches, comprising a cushion layer ⅜ of an inch thick attached toupper portion39 with a rigid layer of {fraction (1/16)} of an inch thick polypropylene or polyethylene on the bottom of the cushion.

Fastening devices such as hook and loop or a screw, or nail, or liquid adhesive, or pressure-sensitive adhesive, can be used to attach the attachment pieces to a floor thereby holding the anchor sheet subfloor to the floor at only a few discrete points by use of the attachment pieces, with or without direct attachment to the anchor sheets to the floor or the attachment pieces.[0057]

An arrangement of overlapping anchor sheets and attachment pieces to form a subfloor can be seen in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, a plurality of[0058]

anchor sheets

111 are shown. In this example they are squares. Unlike the embodiment of anchor sheet in FIG. 1, however, theseanchor sheets111 do not abut each other in one plane only. Rather, theanchor sheets111 in this embodiment have anunderlay area15 in which there is alower portion edge16.Underlay area15 is indicated in FIG. 3 by a grid marking, butunderlay area15 is part ofanchor sheet111.Underlay area15 lies under theoverlap area19 on an adjacent sheet. Theoverlap area19 in this example extends on two sides of each sheet, whereas theunderlay area15 extends on the other two sides. Theoverlap area19 overlaps theunderlay area15 of each sheet, for instance along thearea20 shown in FIG. 3 (the area between the top abutment edge and the nearest parallel dotted line). An area of reducedthickness21 is formed surrounding where the apex of the underlay edges15 would have been. In this case, the cutout is centred over thespace23 between the lower portion edges of the adjacent anchor sheets. It is not centred over the corner line ofspace25 created between the overlap edges extending over the area ofoverlap19. In addition to the reduced thickness area21 (similar toarea7 in FIG. 1) there is a completely cut outportion27.

As shown in FIG. 3, the[0059]

sheets

111 have between them

spaces

23 and25, thus leaving room for expansion and contraction.

FIG. 4 illustrates the use of[0060]

attachment pieces

31 of FIG. 2 with theanchor sheets111 of FIG. 3.Attachment pieces31 are shown in partial section view. Specific attachment piece113 is shown placed within acircle115 and a completely cut awaycircle116 created by the corners of the fouranchor sheets111. Since the radius of attachment piece113 is less than the radius ofcircle115, a space117 is created between attachment piece113 andsurrounding anchor sheets111 to allow for atmospheric expansion. In addition,spaces118 are created betweenneighbouring anchor sheets111.

In a preferred embodiment, the[0061]

anchor sheets

111 of FIG. 3 are ⅛ of an inch thick, and the thickness of theanchor sheet111 atunderlay area15 and atoverlap area19 and at area of reducedthickness21 is {fraction (1/16)} of an inch.

The[0062]

anchor sheets

111 may have a cushion layer (not shown) attached to its bottom side. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of thus cushion layer will be either approximately ¼ of an inch or ⅜ of an inch depending on the desired resiliency and amount of surface traffic. In a preferred embodiment, the hooks of the top surface layer ofanchor sheet111 will have a density that may vary from 160 to 1200 hooks per square inch, with a preferred density of approximately 330 hooks per square inch.

The preferred materials for the[0063]

anchor sheet

111 and its optional cushion layer are polypropylene and polyethylene. In a preferred embodiment, the cushion layer is made from linear low density polyethylene with a density of approximately 30 kg/m³. Other foams could be used such as polyurethane or rubber.

In a preferred embodiment,[0064]

anchor sheet

111 of FIG. 3 (extending the sides ofunderlay area15 andoverlap area19 so they meet at imaginary corners) is an approximately 24 inch by 24 inch square. In a second preferred embodiment, anchor sheet111 (extending the sides ofunderlay area15 andoverlap area19 so they meet at imaginary corners) is an approximately 25 inch by 25 inch square. However, the anchor sheets may be any size convenient for sale, transportation or installation, typically in the range of 12 inch by 12 inch square to 36 inch by 36 inch square.Underlay area15 andoverlap area19 are each approximately one inch in width.

In a preferred embodiment,[0065]

circle

115 of FIG. 4 and completely cut outcircle116 of FIG. 4 are centred on the apexes of the angles formed by extending lower portion edges16 of FIG. 3.Circle115 has a diameter of six inches, while completely cut awaycircle116 has a diameter of four inches.

The[0066]

attachment pieces

31 could be attached to the underlying floor by use of ascrew42 as shown in FIG. 7, and the anchor sheets can remain free-floating.Space119 can optionally be maintained in thescrew hole121 by having the radius ofscrew hole121 be larger than the radius ofscrew42, allowing for movement of theattachment pieces31 aroundscrew42. Fasteners other than a screw may also be used.

As shown in FIG. 5, it is also possible to have the fastener (here, a screw) countersunk. In this case if the anchor sheet has a[0067]

cushion

45, arigid layer43 is provided attached to thecushion45. Aplug47 is removed from therigid layer43 andcushion45. After the screw has been attached to the subfloor, theplug47 is reinserted to create a smooth upper surface of cushion and anchor sheet, or the plug can simply be filled with cushion or any other suitable material or the removed plug ofmaterial47 can simply not be replaced leaving a small cavity in the attachment piece.

FIG. 6 is a section taken along the line[0068]6-6 in FIG. 2 withattachment pieces31 inserted into thespaces27. It showsattachment pieces31 which overlap areas of reducedthickness21 onanchor sheets111. Theanchor sheets111 are free to ride between twoattachment pieces31, as a tolerance orspace29 has been created betweenanchor sheets111 andattachment pieces31 as described above.Attachment pieces31 would normally be attached to the underlying substrate with a screw or other fastener (not shown). It is also possible to attach some of the attachment pieces partially or wholly to theanchor sheets111 through attachment to areas of reducedthickness21, allowing the attachedanchor sheets111 andattachment pieces31 to float on the substrate.

The placement of the attachment pieces at the corners reduces the number of attachment points required, because each attachment piece overlaps four sheets. Because the corners of anchor sheets are an area of weakness there is less likely to be discontinuities or breakage with this attachment system. In addition, because fewer attachment points are required there is less degradation to the integrity of the anchor sheet because there are fewer holes in the anchor sheet. Having attachment pieces at the corners also limits irregularities where the anchor sheets meet caused by deviations in the floor. Finally, because the attachment pieces hold the anchor sheets down without a direct attachment of the anchor sheets to the underlying floor, it is possible to allow for movement of the anchor sheets in relation to the attachment pieces, including the handling of atmospheric expansion.[0069]

While attachment pieces located on corners of the anchor sheets have been described, it is possible to use the invention by providing a reduced thickness area along any edge of a modular anchor sheet and having a cut out area within the reduced thickness area to provide a structure for use of the attachment pieces described at that point. A reduced thickness area surrounding a cut out area may also be located anywhere in the interior of an anchor sheet for use of the attachment pieces at that interior point.[0070]

If the anchor sheets are held to the floor only via the attachment pieces, the anchor sheets can easily be removed and replaced if they are defective or require repair.[0071]

It is expected that the anchor sheets would likely be square, and preferably in the range of 36 inches by 36 inches to 12 inches by 12 inches, although anchor sheets outside of this range are also functional and fall within the scope of this invention.[0072]

The anchor sheets could be made of an extruded or molded material in which the two pieces are thermally bonded so as to form an overlap and underlay. The sheets could be cut by a gauge or jig. The anchor sheets could be die cut. A layer of hooks could be thermally bonded to the surface of the top sheet. Alternatively, the complete anchor sheet (potentially including hooks, and the two “layers” of the anchor sheet) could be injection-molded using a one-or two-step or multi-step process mold, using materials such as polypropylene or polyethylene.[0073]

The overlap and underlay areas of the anchor sheets may be provided with means for detachable or permanent attachment, or the underlay areas may simply lie underneath and support the overlap areas without any form of attachment. Alternatively, the anchor sheets may also be made with corresponding registering bumps and indentations (not shown) in the overlap and underlay portions of the anchor sheets to assist in retaining the anchor sheets together and in alignment during installation.[0074]

In all cases where hook and loop systems or hooks are provided for, the hooks may be temporarily covered by a hard slip covering as discussed in U.S. application Ser. No. 08/850,726 or a soft covering as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,658 to temporarily prevent premature engagement of the hooks to loops.[0075]

As noted above, it is desirable to leave a space between the[0076]

anchor sheets

111 and attachment pieces31 (as illustrated in FIG. 6), and betweenadjacent anchor sheets111, while attaching the attachment pieces to the floor. The creation of the spacing between the attachment pieces and the anchor sheets during installation of a subfloor is difficult. The installation of a subfloor with appropriate spacing is aided by use of spacing structures in accordance with this invention.

In one embodiment, the improved attachment pieces incorporate a deformable margin around the edge of the attachment pieces. This deformable margin allows the anchor sheets to be placed with spacing to allow for atmospheric expansion. However, the deformable margin deforms during periods of expansion of the anchor sheets due to atmospheric changes to allow for expansion of the anchor sheets. In some embodiments, the deformable margin is resilient, and so will shrink and expand in a manner to accommodate the expansion and shrinkage of the anchor sheets. However this is not necessary to operate effectively so that a collapsible non-resilient margin could also be effective.[0077]

FIG. 8A shows one embodiment of the improved attachment pieces incorporating a spacing structure. Turning to FIG. 8A, an[0078]

improved attachment piece

131 is illustrated, which generally corresponds in shape and composition toattachment piece31 from FIG. 2.Improved attachment piece131 hasupper portion132 andlower portion134 whose geometric shape corresponds to the geometric shape of the sections cut-away and cut out fromanchor sheet1. Theupper portion132 andlower portion134 of theimproved attachment piece131 will be covered with a rigid layer, may incorporate a rigid layer, or alternatively may simply consist of a rigid material. In a preferred embodiment,upper portion132 is a rigid disk of {fraction (1/16)} of an inch thick polypropylene or polyethylene in the shape of a circle with a six inch diameter.Lower portion134 is a circular cylinder with a diameter of four inches, comprising a cushion layer ⅜ of an inch thick attached toupper portion132 with a rigid layer of {fraction (1/16)} of an inch thick polypropylene or polyethylene on the bottom of the cushion. In a preferred embodiment, the cushion is made from linear low density polyethylene with a density of approximately 30 kg/m³. In a preferred embodiment, the hooks onupper portion132 have a density of 330 hooks per square inch.

Extending outward from[0079]

upper portion

132 of improvedattachment piece131 are a plurality ofdeformable protrusions135. By “protrusions” is meant any part of the margin extending outwardly. Such protrusions may be in the form of fingers, fins, bumps, bulges or any structure extending from the margin of the attachment piece and could include any irregularity or pattern in the margin wherein one portion of the margin can deform. As may be seen in FIG. 8B, a closeup of an edge ofimproved attachment piece131,protrusions135 have some vertical depth transverse to their outward aspect. Preferably, theprotrusions135 do not lie exactly along an extended radius of theupper portion132, but are at an angle to the radii to better allow for deformation and recovery to their previous position. In one embodiment,protrusions135 will be resilient, whereas in anotherembodiment protrusions135 will only be collapsible. In operation,improved attachment piece131 is attached to the floor.Anchor sheets1 are arranged around improvedattachment piece131, so that theedges137 touch but do not deformprotrusions135. This will create a space to allow for expansion or contraction ofanchor sheets1, similar to space117 in FIG. 4.Improved attachment piece131 will also operate with overlappinganchor sheets111, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The plurality ofprotrusions135 form one embodiment of a deformable margin.

The length of the extending plurality of[0080]

protrusions

135 should be sufficient to accommodate the expected maximum expansion of the anchor sheets. In a preferred embodiment, where the anchor sheet is 0.125 inches thick at its widest point and is a 24 inch by 24 inch polypropylene anchor sheet, the margin should deform to allow for a minimum {fraction (1/16)} of an inch (0.0625 inch) deformation. This expected expansion can be calculated using known coefficients and formulae. One such typical formula is the linear coefficient of expansion of a material times the length of that material (or half the length of the material for one side) times the change in temperature. We typically consider the maximum expansion over a range of approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit. While the expansion can depend upon many factors, within the range of preferred thicknesses and in this use, the relevant factors are the horizontal dimensions of the anchor sheet, the material from which the anchor sheet is constructed and the range of temperature over which the material is used. {fraction (1/16)} of an inch is preferred for a 24 inch by 24 inch homopolymer polypropylene anchor sheet which is 0.125 inches thick at its widest point. This will provide for sufficient expansion and contraction in most practical uses for homopolymer polypropylene and with this anchor sheet size.

FIG. 9A shows another embodiment of the improved attachment pieces incorporating a spacing structure. Turning to FIG. 9A, in this embodiment, a deformable margin is created by having raised[0081]

bumps

141 extending radially outwardly from the top surface of improvedattachment piece143. The raised bumps are a form of protrusion as discussed above. When a force, such as force F in FIG. 9A, is applied to these bumps, they will deform inwards towards the centre ofimproved attachment piece143. In one embodiment, these bumps will be resilient, and will return to their resting, expanded shape. (after use, the bumps may lose some of their resiliency due to “loss of memory” effects) In another embodiment, the bumps may be simply collapsible when a force F is applied. In operation, these attachment pieces may be attached to a floor, and anchor sheets may be arranged aroundundeformed bumps141 to create a outer circumference ofanchor sheets145 as indicated in FIG. 9B. This will create aspacing147, which can accommodate atmospheric expansion in the anchor sheets.

In a preferred embodiment, where the anchor sheet is 0.125 inches thick and is a 24 inch by 24 inch square made from homopolymer polypropylene,[0082]

notches

149 will have a maximum width (along a radius from the centre of the disk) of approximately 0.1 inches. In the same preferred embodiment, theundeformed bumps141 may have a distance from the outer point of the bump to the nominal edge of the disk (or length B minus length C in FIG. 9B) of approximately 0.083 inches. Note that this will create aspace147 of approximately 0.083 inches, which is sufficient to allow the minimum deformation of {fraction (1/16)} of an inch (0.0625 inches) as discussed above.

Another alternative embodiment of the improved attachment pieces incorporating a spacing structure is shown in FIG. 10. Turning to FIG. 10, the circumference of[0083]

attachment piece

151 is surrounded by a removable or detachable strip ofmaterial153. The removable strip ofmaterial153 is attached to apull tab155. In operation, theimproved attachment piece151 would be attached to the floor. Anchor sheets would be arranged around improvedattachment piece151, so that they touch the edge of removable strip ofmaterial153. Once the subfloor has been installed across the floor surface to be covered, removable strips ofmaterial153 may be removed by pulling uponpull tabs155. Once removable strips ofmaterial153 have been removed, space equivalent to space117 in FIG. 4 will have been created between adjacent anchor sheets, allowing for atmospheric expansion.

In a preferred embodiment, where the anchor sheet is 0.125 inches thick and is a 24 inch by 24 inch square of homopolymer polypropylene, the removable strip of[0084]

material

153 extends {fraction (1/16)} of an inch (0.0625 inches) from the side of the attachment piece. Note that, after removal of the removable strip, a surrounding circumference of space will be left which is sufficient to allow the minimum deformation of {fraction (1/16)} of an inch (0.0625 inches) as discussed above.

While the improved attachment pieces incorporating a spacing structure discussed under FIG. 8A to[0085]10 have been described as having a deformable or removable margin around their upper portions, a person skilled in the art would know the improved attachment pieces incorporating a spacing structure could also have a deformable or removable margin around their lower portion and still operate within the spirit of the invention. One such improved attachment piece incorporating a spacing structure is illustrated in FIG. 11.

Turning to FIG. 11, an improved attachment piece incorporating a[0086]

spacing structure

231 is illustrated, which generally corresponds in shape and composition toattachment piece31 from FIG. 2.Improved attachment piece231 hasupper portion235 andlower portion236 whose geometric shape corresponds to the geometric shape of the sections cut-away and cut out fromanchor sheet1. Extending outward from thelower portion236 of improvedattachment piece231 are a plurality ofprotrusions233. In one embodiment,protrusions233 will be resilient, whereas in anotherembodiment protrusions233 will be collapsible. In operation,improved attachment piece231 is attached to the floor.Anchor sheets1 are arranged around improvedattachment piece231, so that theedges237 touch but do not deformprotrusions233. This will create a space to allow for expansion or contraction ofanchor sheet1, similar to space117 in FIG. 4.Improved attachment piece231 will also operate with overlappinganchor sheets111, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The plurality ofprotrusions233 constitute one type of deformable margin.

The deformable or removable margin may also appear on anchor sheets, rather than the attachment pieces. In FIG. 12, an anchor sheet incorporating a spacing structure[0087]240 is the same asanchor sheet1 from FIG. 2 with the addition of a plurality ofprotrusions242, extending outwards from the lower portion of improved anchor sheet240. In one embodiment,protrusions242 will be resilient, whereas in anotherembodiment protrusions242 will be collapsible. In operation,attachment piece31 is attached to the floor. Improved anchor sheets240 are arranged around improvedattachment piece31, so thatedge244 ofattachment piece31 touches but does not deformprotrusions242. This will create a space to allow for expansion or contraction of improved anchor sheet240, similar to space117 in FIG. 4. This improvement will also operate with overlappinganchor sheets111, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The plurality ofprotrusions242 constitute one type of deformable margin. A removable margin may also be used if it is located near the top of the anchor sheet. Generally such protrusions, deformable margins, or removable margins could have the same shape and dimensions as a similar protrusions, deformable margins, or removable margins on the attachment piece.

It is possible to design the[0088]

protrusions

242 so that protrusions on adjacent anchor sheets can interlock when the anchor sheets are installed.

In FIG. 13, an improved anchor sheet incorporating a[0089]

spacing structure

250 is the same asanchor sheet1 from FIG. 2 with the addition of a plurality ofprotrusions252, extending outwards from theedge255 created by cut-away area256 ofimproved anchor sheet250. In one embodiment,protrusions252 will be resilient, whereas in anotherembodiment protrusions252 will be collapsible. In operation,attachment piece31 is attached to the floor.Improved anchor sheets250 are arranged around improvedattachment piece31, so that edge254 ofattachment piece31 touches but does not deformprotrusions252. This will create a space to allow for expansion or contraction ofimproved anchor sheet250, similar to space117 in FIG. 4. This improvement will also operate with overlappinganchor sheets111, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The plurality ofprotrusions252 constitute one type of deformable margin. A removable margin may also be used if it is located near the top of the anchor sheet.

In FIG. 14, improved anchor sheet incorporating a[0090]

spacing structure

260 is the same asanchor sheet1 from FIG. 2 with the addition of a plurality ofprotrusions262, extending outwards from theedge265 created by cut-outarea266 ofanchor sheet260. In one embodiment,protrusions262 will be resilient, whereas in anotherembodiment protrusions262 will be collapsible.Protrusions262 are illustrated as extending from the layer ofcushion material267, butprotrusions262 could also extend from the sheet material269. In operation,attachment piece31 is attached to the floor.Improved anchor sheets260 are arranged aroundattachment piece31, so thatedge264 ofattachment piece31 touches but does not deformprotrusions252. This will create a space to allow for expansion or contraction ofimproved anchor sheet260, similar to space117 in FIG. 4. The plurality ofprotrusions262 constitute one type of deformable margin.

A spacing structure may also be used on anchor sheets designed to overlap. Turning to FIG. 15,[0091]

anchor sheet

270 is shaped similarly to theanchor sheets111 of FIGS. 3 and 4. The underlay area is indicated by a grid pattern. A plurality ofprotrusions272 extend outwardly from the upper oroverhang region274. The plurality ofprotrusions272 is thus positioned to fend surrounding anchor sheets or attachment pieces. In one embodiment,protrusions272 will be resilient, whereas in anotherembodiment protrusions272 will be collapsible.Protrusions272 need not surround the entire edge of upper oroverhang region274, but can only be installed in certain portions of upper oroverhang region274. In operation, an attachment piece is attached to the floor.Improved anchor sheets270 are arranged around the attachment piece, so that the attachment piece and surrounding anchor sheets touch but do not deformprotrusions272. This will create a space to allow for expansion or contraction ofimproved anchor sheet270, similar to space117 in FIG. 4. The plurality ofprotrusions272 constitute one type of deformable margin. A removable margin may also be used if it is located near the top of the anchor sheet.

Turning to FIG. 16, anchor sheet[0092]280 is shaped similarly to theanchor sheets111 of FIGS. 3 and 4. The lower, underhang orunderlay area284 is indicated by a grid pattern. A plurality ofprotrusions282 extend outwardly from the lower orunderhang region284. The plurality ofprotrusions282 is thus positioned to fend surrounding anchor sheets or attachment pieces. In one embodiment,protrusions282 will be resilient, whereas in anotherembodiment protrusions282 will be collapsible.Protrusions282 need not surround the entire edge of lower orunderhang region284, but can only be installed in certain portions of lower orunderhang region284. In operation, an attachment piece is attached to the floor. Improved anchor sheets280 are arranged around the attachment piece, so that the attachment piece and surrounding anchor sheets touch but do not deformprotrusions282. This will create a space to allow for expansion or contraction of improved anchor sheet280, similar to space117 in FIG. 4. The plurality ofprotrusions282 constitute one type of deformable margin.

It should be noted that the spacing to be created between adjacent anchor sheets and attachment pieces is a space between the relatively rigid parts of the attachment sheets and attachment pieces. In some embodiments, this space may be entirely filled by the deformable margin. For example, in FIG. 17[0093]a, ananchor sheet1 is shown with anattachment piece300 with a rigidupper disk301. A spacing structure is attached toattachment piece300 consisting of adeformable ring302 connected to a plurality ofdeformable spokes304.Deformable ring302 thus creates a deformable margin around the relatively rigidcentral disk301 ofattachment piece300. FIG. 17bshows a plan view of attachment piece inserted into the space created by cut-awayregion304 and cut-outregion306 in FIG. 17a. Note thatdeformable ring302 lies flush withanchor sheet1. The required space is created betweenedge307 ofrigid disk301 and edge308 of cut-awayregion304. This space is entirely filled withdeformable ring302 andspokes304.

In a further alternative embodiment, a deformable margin of a type pictured in FIGS. 17[0095]a,17b,18aor18bis attached to either or both of the anchor sheets or attachment pieces.

It is noted that those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications of detail may be made from the embodiments described herein which would come within the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims.[0096]

Claims

I claim:

1. An attachment piece for use in a subfloor with at least one anchor sheet, the at least one anchor sheet having a recess of a first shape in a first area, the anchor sheet having a complete cut of a second area of a second shape, and said second area lying within the first area, the attachment piece comprising:

a first portion having an upper surface extending horizontally and shaped to fit in the recess;

a second portion attached to the first portion and shaped to fit in the complete cut;

the second portion having at least one resilient layer;

a spacing structure;

the spacing structure mounted on least one of the first portion or the second portion to establish a horizontal stand-off distance between the attachment piece and the at least one anchor sheet during installation.

2. The attachment piece ofclaim 1 wherein the spacing structure is a deformable margin.

3. The attachment piece ofclaim 1 wherein the spacing structure is a removable margin on the first portion.

4. The attachment piece ofclaim 2 wherein the deformable margin is on the first portion.

5. The attachment piece ofclaim 2 wherein the deformable margin is on the second portion.

7. The attachment piece ofclaim 2 wherein the deformable margin comprises a plurality of deformable protrusions.

8. The attachment piece ofclaim 2 wherein the deformable margin is resilient or partially resilient.

9. The attachment piece ofclaim 1, further comprising a countersunk hole for receiving a fastener.

10. An attachment piece comprising a body extending axially and a head radially larger than the body formed on an axial end of the body, the head having a spacing structure, an aperture extending axially through the head and body for receiving a fastener and having a countersunk portion for recessing the head of the fastener at or below the surface of the head of the attachment piece, and a spacing structure located on either the body or the head, the spacing structure extending transverse to the axis.

11. The attachment piece ofclaim 10 wherein the spacing structure is a deformable margin.

12. The attachment piece ofclaim 10 wherein the spacing structure is a removable margin on the head.

13. The attachment piece ofclaim 11 wherein the deformable margin is on the head.

14. The attachment piece ofclaim 11 wherein the deformable margin is on the body.

15. The attachment piece ofclaim 12 wherein the removable margin has a pull tab.

16. The attachment piece ofclaim 11 wherein the deformable margin comprises a plurality of deformable protrusions around the perimeter of the attachment piece.

17. The attachment piece ofclaim 16 wherein the deformable margin is resilient or partially resilient.

18. An anchor sheet for use in a subfloor for detachable attachment to a decorative covering, the anchor sheet comprising:

an upper surface having a means for detachable attachment to the decorative covering;

a lower surface opposite the upper surface, the lower surface being covered with a resilient layer;

a recess of a first shape reducing the thickness of the anchor sheet in a first area;

a complete cut through the anchor sheet of a smaller second area within the first area of a second shape; and

a spacing structure positioned on the anchor sheet to space adjacent anchor sheets or attachment pieces.

19. The anchor sheet of33, further comprising:

the anchor sheet having at least two adjacent edges which have a lower portion cut away to create an overhanging area of anchor sheet and at least two adjacent lower edges substantially under the overhang; and

the anchor sheet having at least two adjacent edges which have an upper portion cut away to create an underlay area of anchor sheet leaving at least two adjacent underlay edges at the outer edge of the underlay.

20. The anchor sheet ofclaim 18 or19 wherein the spacing structure is a deformable margin.

21. The anchor sheet ofclaim 18 or19 wherein the spacing structure is a removable margin.

22. The anchor sheet ofclaim 20 wherein the spacing structure is in the first area.

23. The anchor sheet ofclaim 20 wherein the spacing structure is in the second area.

24. The anchor sheet ofclaim 20 wherein the deformable margin is resilient or partially resilient.

25. The anchor sheet ofclaim 24 wherein the deformable margin comprises a plurality of deformable protrusions.

26. A method of installing an anchor sheet and attachment piece subfloor over a floor, the subfloor to receive a detachable decorative covering, said anchor sheets having an upper surface having a means for detachable attachment to the decorative covering and a cut-away section of reduced thickness of a first area of a first shape and a complete cut through the anchor sheet of a smaller second area of a second shape within the first area, said attachment pieces having an upper surface having a means for detachable attachment to the decorative covering, and said attachment pieces having a spacing structure positioned to space surrounding anchor sheets, comprising the steps of:

laying the anchor sheets over a floor;

inserting the attachment pieces in the complete cut areas; and

attaching at least some of the attachment pieces to the floor while arranging the surrounding anchor sheets so the surrounding anchor sheets touch but do not deform the spacing structures.

27. The method ofclaim 26, wherein the anchor sheets are designed to overlap and the step of laying the anchor sheets over a floor consists of laying the anchor sheets in overlapping fashion over a floor.

28. The method ofclaim 26 or27, wherein the spacing structure is a removable margin, and the method has the additional step of removing the spacing structures.

29. The method ofclaim 28, wherein the spacing structure has a pull tab.

30. The method ofclaim 26 or27, wherein the spacing structure is a deformable margin.

31. The method ofclaim 30 wherein the deformable margin comprises a plurality of deformable protrusions.

32. The method ofclaim 30 wherein the deformable margin is resilient or partially resilient.

33. A method of installing an anchor sheet and attachment piece subfloor over a floor, the subfloor to receive a detachable decorative covering, said anchor sheets having an upper surface having a means for detachable attachment to the decorative covering and a cut-away section of reduced thickness of a first area of a first shape and a complete cut through the anchor sheet of a smaller second area of a second shape within the first area, said attachment pieces having an upper surface having a means for detachable attachment to the decorative covering, and said anchor sheets having a spacing structure positioned to fend surrounding anchor sheets and attachment pieces, comprising the steps of:

laying the anchor sheets over a floor;

inserting the attachment pieces in the complete cut areas; and

attaching at least some of the attachment pieces to the floor while arranging the surrounding anchor sheets so the anchor sheets and attachment pieces touch but do not deform the spacing structures.

34. The method ofclaim 33 wherein the anchor sheets are designed to overlap and the step of laying the anchor sheets over a floor consists of laying the anchor sheets in overlapping fashion over a floor.

35. The method ofclaim 33 or34, wherein the spacing structure is a removable margin, and the method has the additional step of removing the spacing structures.

36. The method ofclaim 33 or34, wherein the spacing structure is a deformable margin.

37. The method ofclaim 36 wherein the deformable margin comprises a plurality of deformable protrusions.

38. A floor for covering a structure to form a surface, the floor comprising:

a plurality of anchor sheets;

the plurality of anchor sheets being arranged to substantially cover the structure to form a floor having an upper surface;

a plurality of passageways having walls extending from the upper surface of the floor to the structure below;

the passageways having a portion countersunk from the upper surface of the floor, forming a first bearing surface below the plane of the floor;

the plurality of attachment pieces being shaped to fit into the passageways, the attachment pieces having a wider upper portion to create a second bearing surface;

the plurality of attachment pieces being inserted into the passageways such that the second bearing surface faces the first bearing surface in which at least some of the attachment pieces have a deformable margin to space the pieces from the walls of the passageway; and

in which at least some of the attachment pieces with the deformable margin are attached to the floor.

39. An attachment piece for use with a floor formed from units to cover a structure, the floor having walled passageways extending from an upper surface of the floor to the structure below, the passageways having a portion countersunk from the upper surface of the floor forming a first bearing surface below the plane of the floor, the attachment piece comprising:

a piece shaped to fit into the passageways having a wider upper portion to create a second bearing surface to face the first bearing surface on the countersunk portion of the passageway, and in which the attachment piece has a deformable periphery to space the piece from the walls of the passageway.